Ammonia

Latest News

Recently, an ammonia gas leak at a seafood processing and export unit in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, affected several people, raising concerns over industrial safety and hazardous chemical management.

About Ammonia

Ammonia (NH₃) is a colourless, pungent gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen. It is highly soluble in water, forming aqueous (liquid) ammonia, which rapidly converts back into gas when exposed to air.

Occurrence

Natural Occurrence

Ammonia occurs naturally in humans and the environment. It is an important component of the nitrogen cycle, where it is produced in soils through bacterial activity and during the decomposition of plants and animals.

Industrial Production

Industrially, ammonia is produced mainly through the Haber–Bosch Process, in which nitrogen reacts with hydrogen under high temperature and pressure in the presence of a catalyst.

Uses of Ammonia

Agriculture

The largest use of ammonia is in the manufacture of fertilisers, particularly ammonium nitrate, which supplies nitrogen, an essential nutrient for plant growth.

Industrial Applications

Ammonia is widely used as a refrigerant, stabiliser, neutraliser, and purifier, especially in food processing, cold storage, and water treatment. It is also an important raw material in the manufacture of plastics, explosives, textiles, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.

Impact on Human Health

Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia gas can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs, causing coughing, breathing difficulty, and chemical burns. Prolonged or severe exposure may result in serious respiratory injuries.